How to Store Your Bike Properly (And Avoid Damage)

How you store your bike has a huge impact on how long it lasts. Poor storage causes rust, seized cables, flat spots on tyres, and dried-out bearings — even if you never ride it. Here's how to do it right.

Indoor storage (best option)

Keeping your bike indoors — in a hallway, spare room, or dry garage — is the best way to protect it from moisture, temperature swings, and UV damage.

• Wall hooks: cheap, simple, and keep the bike off the floor. Hang by the front wheel
• Floor stands: good if you don't want to lift the bike. Vertical or horizontal options
• Ceiling hoists: ideal for garages with limited floor space
• Behind a door: a simple hook behind a door works for flats and small spaces

Garage and shed storage

A dry garage is fine. A damp shed is almost as bad as outside. If your shed is damp:

• Use a bike cover — even indoors, it keeps moisture and dust off
• Raise the bike off the floor — concrete floors wick moisture upward
• Use a dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing crystals
• Apply a light coat of oil to exposed metal surfaces

Outdoor storage (last resort)

If you must store your bike outside:

• Use a waterproof bike cover — not a tarp, which traps condensation
• Lock it securely — ground anchor and a quality D-lock minimum
• Lube the chain more often — rain washes lube away
• Expect faster wear — outdoor bikes need servicing more frequently
• Check for rust regularly — especially on the chain, cables, and bolts

Preparing for long-term storage

If you're putting the bike away for winter or an extended period:

• Clean the bike thoroughly — dirt holds moisture against metal
• Lube the chain — a fresh coat prevents rust
• Inflate the tyres — or slightly over-inflate. They'll lose pressure over time
• Release brake cable tension — prevents cables from stretching
• Shift to the smallest gear — reduces tension on the derailleur spring
• Cover the bike — even indoors, dust gets into everything

Read: Getting your bike ready after months in the shed →

What bad storage does to your bike

• Rust: chain, cables, bolts, and spokes corrode in damp conditions
• Seized cables: moisture inside cable housing causes corrosion and sticking
• Flat tyres: tubes lose air naturally — flat tyres can develop flat spots or crack
• Dried bearings: grease dries out in headsets, hubs, and bottom brackets
• Cracked tyres: UV light and temperature changes degrade rubber
• Brake pad hardening: rubber compounds harden over time, reducing braking power